Abby Krent

##Lab
[Miranda Haus](https://directory.natsci.msu.edu/Directory/Profiles/Person/103060) and [Josh Vander Weide](https://www.canr.msu.edu/people/joshua_vanderweide)

##Research Interests
The rhizosphere and plant-fungal interactions.

##Quick Profile
**What got you interested in plants and plant science?**
I have fond memories associated with plants. Specifically, my paternal grandmother taught me how to garden and my maternal grandmother shared her passion for house plants with me.

**What is your research about?**
My research is about a specific plant-fungal interaction between Ericales and ericoid mycorrhizal fungi. This mutualistic symbiosis is under-characterized despite its potential to increase plant growth and improve stress tolerance. My primary aim is to define the symbiosis in the context of blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) and test its ability to overcome adverse planting conditions.

**What is the potential societal impact of your research?**
One thing ericoid mycorrhizae excel at is degrading organic compounds. Once degraded, ericoids use their network of hyphae to extend into the soil and capture nutrients for the plant. This means that colonized plants have access to pools of otherwise unavailable nutrients, especially phosphorus. In the future, I think we will be able to harness these fungi to reduce fertilizer application by employing their organic recycling capabilities. This in turn will reduce some of the negative consequences that result from improper fertilizer use (namely runoff and eutrophication).

**Instagram:** [abkr_13](https://www.instagram.com/abkr_13/)